Combined Effects Chamber
The design and construction of the Cryogenic Test Complex at NASA’s Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility (ATF) located in Sandusky, OH allows large-scale liquid hydrogen (LH2) experiments to be conducted safely. Control systems are located in a separate, remote building.
Facility Overview
The Combined Effects Chamber (CEC) is a space-environment test chamber 25 ft in diameter with a 20 ft-diameter door. The design and construction of this facility allows large-scale liquid hydrogen (LH2) experiments to be conducted safely. Control and data systems are located in a separate, remote building and electrical control systems include explosion-proof hardware.
Other features of CEC include a removable LH2/LN2 cryogenic cold wall which can simulate deep space temperatures down to -423°F, vacuum-jacketed LH2 piping and chamber penetrations, a hydraulic shaker system, a vacuum-jacketed LH2 dump line and burnoff stack to handle accidental LH2 spills inside the chamber.
The CEC plays an essential role in the development of advanced insulation systems and on-orbit fluid transfer techniques for flight weight cryogenic fuel tanks and insulation systems.
The CEC is currently being considered for use as a Planetary Surface Simulation Test Facility, due to the chamber’s size and ease of access through the 20 foot hatch.
Quick Facts
The Combined Effects Chamber (CEC) is a space-environment test chamber 25 feet in diameter with a 20 ft diameter door. The design and construction of this facility allows large-scale liquid hydrogen (LH2) experiments to be conducted safely. Control and data systems are located in a separate, remote building and electrical control systems include explosion-proof hardware.
| Test Chamber | 25 ft diameter, spherical space environment |
|---|---|
| Temperature | down to -423°F |
| Vacuum | capable of 5 x 10-7 torr |
- CEC plays an essential role in the development of advanced insulation systems and on-orbit fluid transfer techniques for flight weight cryogenic fuel tanks and insulation systems.
- CEC’s control and data systems are located in a separate, remote building and electrical control systems include explosion-proof hardware.
- CEC was designed and constructed to handle LH2 experiments safely.
- CEC includes a removable cryogenic cold wall, vacuum-jacketed LH2 piping and chamber penetrations, a hydraulic shaker system, a vacuum-jacketed LH2 dump line and burnoff stack to handle accidental LH2 spills inside the chamber.
Capabilities
- Designed and constructed to handle LH2 experiments safely
- 1200 ft LH2 exclusion zone
- Remotely located test control building
- 25-ft dia spherical space-environment test chamber certified for LH2 testing
- Capable of vacuum to 5×10-7torr
- Removable cryogenic cold wall with LH2 or LN2 capability
- Equipped with hydraulic shaker system for LH2 tank slosh testing inside of chamber
- Designed for development and certification of flight weight cryogenic fuel tanks and insulation systems, cryogenic valves, pumps, and actuators
Contact
Cryogenic Propellant Tank Facility (K-Site)
Facility Manager: Hal Weaver
419-621-2219
Harold.F.Weaver@nasa.gov
Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility (ATF)
Deputy Director: David Taylor
419-621-2101
David.E.Taylor@nasa.gov
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